Officer Assisted By Citizens (Press Release)

by Public Information Officer, Monday, March 10, 2014, 16:56 (1715 days ago)

ABILENE, TX – An Abilene Police patrol officer was assisted during a foot chase on March 6, 2014. Officer Katie Snell was on patrol at about 5:30 p.m. and driving on South 7th when she observed a male pedestrian that fit the general description of a theft suspect from an offense that occurred earlier in the afternoon at a convenience store in the 1000 block of South Treadaway Boulevard. Officer Snell contacted the individual in attempt to identify him. During that contact, the pedestrian became evasive in his answers during a lawful detention, pulled away from Officer Snell and began running. Officer Snell gave chase and during the foot pursuit she observed the suspect dump his backpack and jacket. A motorist driving in the area of South 8th and Sycamore observed the chase and assisted Officer Snell by exiting his vehicle and cutting off the suspect’s escape routes. Another citizen near his home also assisted in like manner. The suspect surrendered and laid down on the ground. He was taken into custody and identified as Jacob E. Walters, DOB 2-23-94.

Walter’s backpack was immediately retrieved and searched incidental to lawful arrest. A search of that backpack revealed approximately 1.2 grams of methamphetamine, 37.1 grams of marijuana and drug paraphernalia. Walters was arrested and charged with second degree felony delivery of a controlled substance, misdemeanor evading detention, and misdemeanor possession of marijuana. His bonds totaled $12,750. It was determined Walters was not the suspect who committed the earlier theft.

Officer Snell expressed her deepest gratitude and mentioned how good it felt to know that there were citizens willing to help.